New Year's (2020) in Bangkok

My second trip to Bangkok, Thailand occurred when some travel friends decided to plan our New Year's party there to bring in 2020 (before anyone knew what a disaster the year would be). We, as a group, love to celebrate the new year in different locations around the world. Sadly, this was the first time our group split up and went to different locations. My first trip to Bangkok was a few months earlier, so I was a little less excited about the location, but I looked forward to seeing my friends.

 

After 3 layovers and several hours, I landed at BKK airport close to 1am on December 30th. Luckily, 2 fellow traveling friends had stayed awake and the plan was for me to crash with them until I could check-in to my hotel room. Despite the long hours of traveling, I didn't go to sleep right away. Three of us sat and tried to catch up on the years that passed since we last saw each other in person, Istanbul for one friend, and the other was one I never met in real life up to that time.

At around 3 am, I realized I was not going to be falling asleep anytime soon. I took a quick shower and my new friend offered to take me to get some food. "Will anything be open?" I asked and was assured there were restaurants that cater to the late-night/early morning crowd. We grabbed something quick to eat at what looked like a Thai chain restaurant. Then we decided to see the town a bit and try to get to a high point to catch the sunrise. Our view was still obstructed by high rises and skyscrapers, so we ended up on the Taksin Bridge.

My new friend told me he lived in a Buddhist temple and assisted the monks who lived there. He told me every morning, they would go out early and collect food for the monks that were donated by people of the city. Whatever they collected would be all the monks would have to eat for that day. He told me one of his dreams was to go to the Philippines and be part of a ceremony where they could be crucified on a cross, the same way that Jesus Christ had. It was definitely an eye-opening conversation. 

After sunrise, my new friend took me by an open street market on the way back to the hotel. I've been to markets like this before and in Thailand, and other places, but I always love seeing the different people, colors, delicacies, and trinkets. We ended our market visit with a red juice and I returned to my friend's room to try to finally get some sleep.

No luck. 

For some reason, I just couldn't sleep. I decided since it was New Year's Eve, I'd look for somewhere to get my nails done for the big event. After discovering many places were closed, I finally found a nail salon, and it was only a few blocks away from my friend's apartment. It was called In the Garden Nail Spa. Slightly different from my experience from the US, but the result was the same. I had gold, glittery nails to start the new year. 

On the way back, I couldn't help but notice a massage center called Health Land Spa. The new friend told me about it and described it as basically a chain massage spa. I figured a nice (and fairly cheap) massage would get my body to rest and I would finally be ready to sleep. By now, it was about 3 pm in the afternoon. 

I did manage to doze off for a bit during the massage, I went to my friend's hotel to retrieve the luggage I had stored there and finally was able to check-in to my hotel, the Salolife. It was very basic and unfortunately didn't have an elevator. Someone helped me with my bags to the third floor, where I immediately began to plan my outfit for midnight. I took a quick shower and set my phone's alarm clock for 9 pm. I wanted to get some rest but also have time to get dressed up and do some mingling with the international friends who were planning on attending. I took a shower and slept...

... and slept...

...right through my alarm! By the time I had finally woken up, it was 11:48 pm! As I tried to rinse my face, do anything decent to my hair, and don the outfit I had carefully set out before my "nap", I head it. The fireworks. It was passed midnight I had missed the big event that I had traveled so far to attend: a mix up in Vegas, 3 layovers, and the several hours of traveling. 

A part of me was very sad and disappointed with myself. I reflected back to a time I used to tell myself, "How you spend the New Year is how the rest of your year will go". There I was, alone in a strange place. I finished getting ready, with much less haste and made my way to THA Loft's NoWhere Bar, where our party was. My friends were happy to see me and asked me where I had been. I explained quickly, ordered a glass of champagne, and tried to salvage the night the best I could. 

Overall, it was fun. I was able to catch up with some friends and we hung out a few times after the event since most of us were in the area for a few days. There was a bar called Ekamai Beer House, where we would assemble at night and share our experiences for the day. I think the best part of these get-togethers often comes from just being together, relaxing, enjoying good food, and good beer. 

Quick Notes:

Where I stayed: Salolife Hotel in Bangkok (4 nights w/taxes and fees = $168.58) 

How I got around: Grab app! (it's the Uber of Bangkok)

Nails: Garden Nail Spa - Full set and Pedicure was approx $70 (https://www.facebook.com/InTheGardenNailSpa)

Pub: Ekamai Beer House (www.http://www.ekamaibeerhouse.com/)